Keeping your fleet clean and in good condition is crucial. But not all companies in the fleet washing industry are the same. Some companies only focus on building equipment, others might only manufacture chemicals, and many lack the desire or expertise to repair and maintain automated wash systems, even if it’s their own equipment. It sounds bleak and there are several potential options out there — it’s important to figure out which one will suit your needs best if you want to move the needle.
In this blog, we'll look at the important factors to think about when choosing the right fleet washing partner for your company.
7 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Wash Equipment, Chemical, and Service Partner
Picking the best fleet washing partner is vital for keeping your trucks in top shape, adhering to industry standards and regulations, brand perception, and operational efficiency. Making the wrong choice could mean expensive fixes, a tarnished reputation, and less efficient work. It’s important to research and prioritize these seven factors to ensure you choose the right fleet washing company.
1. They Can Maintain and Repair Your Equipment - No Matter the Manufacturer
Maintaining an automated system is more than just keeping your fleet clean. It involves taking care of the machinery and infrastructure that make the washing process possible and protects and extends the life of your fleet. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent problems and keep everything running smoothly.
When choosing a fleet wash partner, it’s important to make sure they have skilled technicians who understand how different types of wash equipment work, especially with regards to the type of vehicles being washed and in combination with the chemicals running through the system.
By keeping up with maintenance and relying on experts, you ensure your washing system runs well, minimizing downtime and keeping your fleet in top condition.
2. They Have Soaps and Chemical Expertise
There are so many factors that go into picking the right soaps and chemicals for your fleet, from the type of vehicles in your fleet to the kind of dirt or grime that is stuck to the surface, the list of variables can be endless. Are you using a pressure washer or an automated wash system? Are brushes involved or is it completely touchless? Are they washed daily or monthly? The choices can be overwhelming.
By analyzing potential factors and variables, the right fleet washing partner will have the knowledge and experience to work with you to find the best soaps for your fleet. Conditions aren’t the same for every truck, and one-size doesn’t fit all.
By matching the product to your trucks, you can protect your fleet, limit the impacts of weather and damage, and ensure your system runs its best.
3. They Prioritize a Long-Term Relationship
When choosing a fleet wash partner, it's not easy to find a company that cares about more than their sale. Ask how they handle their clients after the sale to help you find a partner that cares about your long-term success.
Do they offer a trusted point of contact who will regularly communicate with you and monitor your system? By having a dedicated account manager who is responsible for your account, you know they will understand your fleet, your wash setup, and have the ability to address any potential questions or concerns.
4. They have a Proven Reputation
When choosing a fleet wash company, you need to be able to trust they can deliver. Their reputation and reliability are crucial. Look into their past work and customer reviews to make sure they have a proven track record. Ask for referrals from current clients in a similar situation to you. Ask how long they’ve been in business, and how long they’ve been making equipment or chemicals.
By researching these factors, you can find a reliable and reputable provider that matches your values and needs.
5. They Customize Solutions to Your Needs
Your fleet washing partner must adapt to your fleet's needs by customizing their services, including chemicals and processes, to meet your unique preferences, ensuring the best cleaning results.
If you’re investing in an automated wash system you want open communication; your partner should listen to your needs and collaborate with you to develop customized solutions that effectively meet your fleet's requirements. They have the knowledge to work with you to figure out how best to meet your goals.
Choosing a washing company that offers different options and values communication ensures your fleet receives the care it needs, strengthening the partnership for long-term satisfaction.
6. They Work to Innovate and Improve
Choosing the right fleet washing partner goes beyond finding a company that can just offer equipment to clean your fleet. It’s also about choosing a company committed to continuous improvement and innovation to help better you keep your fleet and your wash operations streamlined.
This means selecting a partner who is dedicated to research and development and is willing to adapt to market trends. A partner that seeks to improve their chemical product line and their equipment options is also the partner that will help find a solution when your results are not meeting your expectations.
7. They Focus on Customer Support
Responsive customer support is crucial for a fleet washing company's partnership with its clients. Responsive support can mean different things based on your specific situation, but in the end, it means that any issues are dealt with, keeping your fleet washing operations running smoothly.
Whether it's technical problems, questions about scheduling appointments, or billing issues, having helpful customer support makes a big difference. A company that cares about its customers will have different ways for you to reach them, like by phone or email, with knowledgeable staff ready to help you out.
By prioritizing good customer support, an industry partner shows that they value their customers and want to make sure they have a positive experience.
The Final Takeaway
By doing thorough research, businesses can find partners that can maintain their fleet washing operation and who prioritize providing customer service and support. Knowing how important it is to keep your fleet clean and well-maintained, we encourage you to be proactive in choosing a partner that fits your needs for now and in the future.
Our experienced, professional staff are here to help if you have any questions or need advice as you make this decision. Give us a call at 616-531-6420 or email us at info@hcsclean.com, so we can make sure your fleet gets the care it needs.
